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| Saint Michael's Guild |
Saint Michael's Guild (SMG) is a gathering of Catholic men and boys dedicated to the preservation of the Christian warrior tradition. Via the wisdom of the Code of Chivalry, the discipline of the arts of combat, and the accountability of the bonds of brotherhood, we provide mentorship to each other, protection to our loved ones, and service to the Magisterium and the Episcopacy.
We seek to fulfill this mission statement by gathering
together weekly in order to study, train, and fellowship in |
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the Saint Michael Combat System, which is comprised of the sub-systems of Historical European Swordsmanship, Western Grappling Arts, and Christian Warrior Concepts.
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Historical European Swordsmanship
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The art of the sword has passed through many transitions throughout history, with its most modern form being expressed as the sport of fencing. However, not all scholars of the sword agree that this has been a positive evolution as nearly all of the elements of sport fencing have abandoned the original form and function of the true art of swordsmanship.
Hence, a trend to preserve the original techniques and philosophies of the art of the sword has emerged. Saint Michael's Guild is a proponent of this movement.
This means that our practice seeks to honor swordsmanship as a martial art rather than a sport. Therefore, we encourage training with weapons that, although rendered safe, still maintain the general size and weight of the originals.
We also seek to practice and duel in a safe, but realistic manner that captures the essence of the authentic arranged combats of days past. |
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Contrary to popular belief and understanding, the "empty hand" martial arts are not limited to the styles of the Orient. The western world has also produced numerous martial arts systems that have been preserved to this day.
These include systems such as Greek Pankration, Roman Luctatio, Scottish Backhold, British Pugilism, French Savate, and others.
The Saint Michael Combat System presents elements of these styles in a blended format for the purpose of providing a historically accurrate, yet functionally effective means of mind-body integration, physical exercise, and self-protection.
Training in this sub-system is intended to augment the swordsmanship and provides assurance that our students and instructors can emerge as complete martial artists who are fully capable with or without a sword. |
Christian Warrior Concepts |
Saint Michaels Guild seeks to encourage Catholic men in learning and practicing an integrated masculinity that does not cast aside the need for the strength and fortitude of the warrior.
This is accomplished via weekly lectures, presentations, and open discussions on the subtleties of Christian Warriorship.These include concepts related to warrior psychology, the philosophy of conflict, masculine spirituality, and others.
Additionally, each member is eventually offered the opportunity to be received as a Knight of Saint Michael and join the Guild's Round Table of Knights.
A Knight of Saint Michael takes vows to know and live the Code of Chivalry. No other vows or promises are required.
Feel free to contact us if you are interested in beginning the journey towards authentic European Martial Arts training, and to a valid expression of Knighthood. |
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| 1. Warm-up and Stretch – Students are asked to arrive a few minutes early and to warm-up and stretch on their own.
2. Salutation – The lesson is formally opened by “saluting in.”
3. Historical European Swordsmanship: Posturing and Movement Training, Technique Drills, Individual Techniques, Attribute Drills, Tactical Drills.
4. Western Grappling Arts: Posturing and Movement Training, Technique Drills, Individual Techniques, Attribute Drills, Tactical Drills.
5. Christian Warrior Concepts: Lecture & Discussion.
6. Departures – The students “salute out” and are dismissed.
7. Fun & Fellowship.
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The Saint Michael Combat System |
Historical European Swordsmanship
- History and Systems
- Ancient Systems: Viking, Greek and Roman Warfare
- Viking Broadsword
- Greek Kopis
- Roman Gladius
- Medieval Systems: European Knights and Chivalry
- Broadsword
- Hand and a Half sword
- Long Sword
- Renaissance Systems: Code of Duello
- Cut and Thrust Sword
- Transition Rapier
- Rapier
- Modern Systems: Victorian Social Dueling
- Smallsword
- Military and Dueling Saber
- Post Modern Systems: Olympic Style
- Warm-ups
- Gear
- Mask
- Plastron
- Glove
- Additional Padding/Protection
- Weapon
- Approved Shoes
- Anatomy of the Weapon
- Selecting a Weapon
- Period of Interest
- Region of Interest
- Culture of Interest
- Individual Body Style/Mechanics
- Individual Weapon Dynamics
- History and Evolution
- Anatomy and Usage
- Capabilities and Limitations
- Posturing
- Ready Position
- Attention
- Salute
- On Guard
- High Guard (S/P)
- Middle Guard (S/P)
- Low Guard (S/P)
- Mechanics of the “off hand”
- Off Hand Techniques
- Parries
- Retentions
- Strikes
- Off Hand Weapons
- Paired Sword
- Short Sword
- Dagger
- Off Hand Accoutrements
- Shield
- Buckler
- Cloak
- Chain Maille
- Basic Maneuvers
- Footwork
- Advance
- Retreat
- Pass Forward
- Pass Back
- Half Lunge
- Full Lunge
- Move Left
- Move Right
- Circle Left
- Circle Right
- Jump
- Stomp
- Ballestra
- 8 Directions of Movement
- Angle 1
- Angle 2
- Angle 3
- Angle 4
- Angle 5
- Angle 6
- Angle 7
- Angle 8
- Distance
- Triangle Range Theory
- Long Range/Weapons Range
- Offensive Maneuvers
- Cutting
- Flat Cut
- Drawing Cut
- Back Cut
- Cuts
- Cut 1
- Cut 2
- Cut 3
- Cut 4
- Cut 5
- Cut 6
- Cut 7
- Cut 8
- Thrusts
- Direct Thrust
- Inside Thrust
- Outside Thrust
- Grounded Thust
- Defensive Maneuvers
- Guards
- Guard 1 A/B
- Guard 2
- Guard 3 A/B
- Guard 4 A/B
- Guard 5
- Guard 6
- Guard 7
- Guard 8
- Parries
- Parry 1
- Parry 2
- Parry 3
- Parry 4
- Parry 5
- Parry 6
- Parry 7
- Parry 8
- Tactics
- Offensive
- Simple Direct Attack
- Compound Direct Attack
- Simple Indirect Attacks
- The Feint
- The Cutover
- The Disengage
- The Beat
- The Cross
- The Bind
- The Envelopement
- Compound Indirect Attacks
- Double Disengage
- Indirect Combinations
- Concept of fencing time (Tempo)
- Defensive
- Attack by Drawing
- Stop Hit
- Destruction
- Simultaneous Block/Hit
- Pass Under
- Medium Range/Striking Range
- Half-Guard Techniques
- Half Thrust
- Half Cut
- Hilt Strike
- Butt Strike (Weapon)
- Close Range/Grappling Range
- Disarms
- Strip Disarm
- Snake Disarm
- Cross Disarm
- Spin Disarm
- Holds
- Weapon Arm Retention
- Inside Wrist Lock
- Outside Wrist Lock
- Armbar
- Snaking Shoulder Lock
- Weapon Re-enforced Choke
- Weapon Re-enforced Arm Bar
- Weapon Re-enforced Bear Hug
- Takedowns
- Drills
- Line Drills
- Individual Technique Drills
- Attack/Defence
- One for One
- Freestyle
- Slow Motion
- Half Speed
- ¾ Speed
- The Duel
- Terminology
- Duelist: One of the two combatants
- Second: An assistant to the Duelist
- Maestro: The Presiding Authority
- Judge: One of 2 Observers who assist the Maestro
- Equipment
- Serviceable mask
- Groin/Chest protection
- Plastron
- Arm/leg protection
- Approved weapon
- Fighting Area
- Starting Distance
- Time Limit
- 5 Points, Disqualification or Forfeit
- Commands
- Duelists Online!
- Ready Position!
- Attention!
- Salute Here!
- Salute Each Other!
- On Guard!
- Duel!
- Halt!
- Target Area
- Entire body: Head to toe: Front and back
- Scoring/Hit Values
- Thrust to the Head or Body: 3 Points
- Cut to the Head or Body: 2 Points
- Cut or Thrust to the Arm/Leg: 1 Point
- Sweep, Throw or Takedown: 1 Point + Hit Value
- Butt Strike: 1 Point
- Kick or Punch: 1 Point
- Disarm: 1 Point + Hit Value
- Differential View of Hit Values
- 1 Point
- Cut or Thrust to Arm/Leg
- Sweep, Throw or Takedown
- Butt Strike, Kick or Punch
- Disarm
- 2 Points
- 3 Points
- Thrust to the Head or Body
- Conventions
- Hits are scored against the Duelist who is touched.
- Touches must be performed with clean technique, full extension and definite intention.
- 5 touches is the equivalent of death or incapacitation.
- A final touch of the 2 point variety is ruled a death and the duelist is out of the competition.
- A final touch of the 1 point variety is ruled an incapacitation and the duelist may participate in a direct elimination.
- Double hits occurring in one measure of fencing time will be scored appropriately against each duelist.
- Rules of Conduct
- A warning is issued for the following:
- Excessive force
- Lack of control
- Poor technique
- Leaving the circle
- Turning one’s back to the opponent
- Striking after a Halt! is called
- An immediate disqualification results from the following:
- Dangerous equipment or attire
- Arguing a judgment
- Uncontrolled rage or aggression
- Throwing a weapon or other accoutrement
- 3 warnings for the same offence
- Conduct of the Bout
- Duelists wait at opposite sides of the circle facing inward and at the ready position. Duelists will be called online, to attention and will be directed to salute the Maestro and each other.
- The Maestro commands: "On guard!"
- And then: "Duel!"
- When a single or mutual touch is noticed, the Maestro will command a "Halt." Duelists must immediately cease all action.
- The Maestro will then assign the appropriate points against the touched Duelist. The bout will continue in this fashion until one Duelist has incurred five touches, has been disqualified, or has forfeited the bout.
Western Grappling Arts
- History and Systems
- Greek Pankration
- Roman Luctatio
- Regional Folk Combat Systems
- Cornish Wrestling
- British Catch Wrestling
- Icelandic Glima
- Swiss Schwingen
- Scottish Backhold
- British Pugilism
- French Savate
- Warm-ups
- Gear
- Approved Shoes
- Loose Fitting Pants
- Tank Top
- Rank Sash
- Mouthpiece
- Grappling Gloves
- Focus Mitts
- The Human Weapon
- 40 Weapons
- Head (1), Shoulders (2), Elbows (2), Forarms (2), Wrists (2), Hand Outer Edge (2). Hand Inner Edge (2), Hand Back Knuckles (2), Hand Front Knuckles (2), Hand Finger Knuckles (2), Hand Finger Tips (2), Hand Palm (2), Hips (2), Knees (2), Shins (2), Foot Heel (2), Foot Outer Edge (2), Foot Inner Edge (2), Foot Ball (2), Foot Toes (2), and the most important human weapon: the Brain!
- Posturing
- Ready Position
- Attention
- Salute
- On Guard
- Basic Maneuvers
- Footwork
- Advance
- Retreat
- Pass Forward
- Pass Back
- Half Lunge
- Full Lunge
- Move Left
- Move Right
- Circle Left
- Circle Right
- Jump
- Stomp
- 8 Directions of Movement
- Angle 1
- Angle 2
- Angle 3
- Angle 4
- Angle 5
- Angle 6
- Angle 7
- Angle 8
- Distance
- Triangle Range Theory
- Kicking Techniques
- Front Kick
- Twist Kick
- Round Kick
- Side Kick
- Back Kick
- Rising Knee Strike
- Punching Techniques
- Straight Punch
- Hook Punch
- Upper Cut
- Overhand Punch
- Hooking Elbow Strike
- Grappling Techniques
- Standing Series
- Pinch
- Close Range Striking Techniques
- Tie Up
- Figure 6 Choke
- Self Choke
- Push/Pull
- Duck Under
- Finger Lock
- Inside Wrist Lock
- Outside Wrist Lock
- Outside Wrist/Elbow Lock Combo
- Snake Elbow/Shoulder Lock
- Rear Corotid Choke
- Rear Tracheal Choke
- Rear Bear Hug
- Grounding Series
- Pinch
- Tie Up
- Snap Down
- Frontal Bear Hug/Pancake
- Outer Reap
- Hip Throw
- Duck Under/Dump
- Side Head Lock/Sit
- Side Headlock/Toss
- Inside Single Leg
- Outside Single Leg
- Double Leg
- Rear Bearhug/Dump
- Grounded Series
- Top Position
- V-Mount
- Striking Techniques
- Pressure Choke
- Self Choke
- Side Mount
- Striking Techniques
- Pressure Choke
- Shoulder Lock
- Elbow Lock
- Shoulder/Elbow Lock Combo
- Head and Shoulder Lock
- Arm Bar
- Within The Guard
- Striking Techniques
- Calf Lock
- Crab Lock
- The Slam
- Passing the Guard
- Bottom Position
- The Guard
- Striking Techniques
- Bear Hug
- Head Lock
- Elevator
- Side Choke
- Triangle Choke
- Arm Bar
- Special Techniques
- Combat Fighting Drills
- Striking Attack Set
- Contra Straight Punch
- Contra Hook Punch
- Contra Overhand Strike
- Contra Backhand Strike
- Contra Front Kick
- Contra Round Kick
- Contra Side Kick
- Grappling Attack Set
- Contra Single Wrist Grab
- Contra Double Wrist Grab
- Contra Single Lapel Grab
- Contra Double Lapel Grab
- Contra Front Bear Hug
- Contra Rear Bear Hug
- Contra Side Headlock
- Weapons Attack Set
- Contra Straight Knife Thrust
- Contra Overhead Knife Thrust
- Contra Forward Knife Slash
- Contra Reverse Knife Slash
- Contra Swinging Bat
- Contra Gun to Front
- Contra Gun to Back
Christian Warrior Concepts
- Code of Chivalry
- Thou shalt believe all that the Church teaches, and shalt obey all her commandments.
- Thou shalt defend the Church.
- Thou shalt respect all weakness, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them.
- Thou shalt love the country in the which thou wast born.
- Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.
- Thou shalt make war against the Infidel without cessation, and without mercy.
- Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God.
- Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word.
- Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone.
- Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.
- Combat Psychology
- War in Heaven: Saint Michael was:
- Selfless
- Authoritarian
- Just
- Swift
- Direct
- Powerful
- Uncompromising
- Relentless
- Offensive (versus Defensive)
- Other Warrior Attributes
- Respect
- Honor
- Dignity
- Courage
- Compassion
- Biblical References to Warriorship
- Exodus 15:3 - The LORD is a warrior; LORD is his name!
- 1 Chronicles 5:24 - The following were the heads of their ancestral houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel--men who were warriors, famous men, and heads over their ancestral houses.
- 1 Chronicles 12:31 - Of the Ephraimites: twenty thousand eight hundred warriors, men renowned in their ancestral houses.
- 1 Macabbees 10:19 - The LORD will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.
- Psalms 24:8 - The LORD will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.
- Psalms 33:16 - A king is not saved by a mighty army, nor a warrior delivered by great strength.
- Psalms 45:4 - Gird your sword upon your hip, mighty warrior! In splendor and majesty ride on triumphant!
- Wisdom 18:15 - Your all-powerful word from heaven's royal throne bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land.
- Sirach 35:19 - God indeed will not delay, and like a warrior, will not be still.
- Isaiah 13:3 - I have commanded my dedicated soldiers, I have summoned my warriors, eager and bold to carry out my anger.
- Isaiah 42:13 - The LORD goes forth like a hero, like a warrior he stirs up his ardor; He shouts out his battle cry, against his enemies he shows his might:
- Joel 2:7 - Like warriors they run, like soldiers they scale the wall; They advance, each in his own lane, without swerving from their paths.
- Joel 4:10 - Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears; let the weak man say, "I am a warrior!"
- Church History and Warriorship
- Jesus the Warrior
- The early Martyrs
- Early Knighthood
- The Crusaders/Military Orders
- Modern Orders
- Modern Applications of Christian Warriorship
- Preserving the dignity of Chivalry
- Service to the Episcopacy and Magisterium
- Standing firm on Moral issues
- Protecting the form and structure of the Family
- Political action
- Selfless Service
- Evangelism
- Ultimate Sacrifice
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